The talk of the town

If you want to get into the nightclub that isn’t a nightclub, you’d better come prepared

Back in 1929, The Roxy was one of the first Auckland cinemas to screen talking pictures. Almost 90 years later, it’s still setting a benchmark, as one of the first venues in the city to offer an international- style club experience. “Roxy has the feel of a New York speakeasy,” says manager Craig Koning. “It’s not a nightclub, it’s a club. A nightclub is where young kids go to party their socks off. Roxy is more of a premium club where people come to relax in comfortable surroundings, have a conversation and a good time on the dancefloor if they feel like it.”

Roxy opened its doors in June last year and has already earned a reputation as a place to be seen in town. “The goal at Roxy is to exceed expectations,” says Koning. “We have a strict door policy and we make no apologies for that. People have to look and act the part if they want to get in. If we weren’t fussy about who we let in the door, we’d be like every other club in town. Roxy is like a little oasis in the middle of Queen Street.”